Wheelchair curling: 2019 Ones to Watch

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced the wheelchair curling Ones to Watch ahead of the 2019 World Championship in March in Stirling, Great Britain.

These are athletes who have the potential to make headlines, especially with a new Paralympic Winter Games cycle beginning. Their biographies are now available on the IPC website.

Aileen Neilson (GBR)

Was instrumental in qualifying Great Britain to the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games and set to star at her home Worlds.

Andrey Smirnov (RUS)

A leading force behind Russia’s three World Championship titles and Paralympic silver medal.

Haitao Wang (CHN)

Skipped China to their first gold medal at a Paralympic Winter Games and will lead their charge toward a first world title.

Mark Ideson (CAN)

Highly experienced skip played a major role in Canada’s bronze medal success at PyeongChang 2018 and gold at Sochi 2014.

Min-Ja Bang (KOR)

Helped her team reach the bronze medal game in PyeongChang but fell just short of a celebrating a Paralympic medal on home ice. Bang is back to play the lead position.

Ole Fredrik Syversen (NOR)

Part of the PyeongChang 2018 silver medal team and considered Norway’s “glue guy” who keeps the team spirits up.